Between Two Worlds: Nen and Haki

A massive sensory bonus.

Scanning Hancock's body, Zane genuinely marveled at how she was truly the Creator's most perfect masterpiece.

"Really?"

Hearing that Zane didn't mind staying with her and was actually happy about it, Hancock's expression immediately brightened with joy.

This was great.

'Not only does Mr. Zane not mind being with me, but he's actually happy about it.'

'Does this mean... Mr. Zane is willing to live with me?'

Hancock's heart fluttered as her imagination began to run wild.

"Open up!"

"Wait, Elder Nyon! Big Sis gave orders that no one is to disturb her. Let us announce you first!"

"Cut the nonsense. She's already sick and still throwing a tantrum? Move aside!"

A noisy argument echoed from outside the palace gates, and soon after, the doors were flung open.

"Hm?"

Snapped out of her beautiful fantasy by the commotion, Hancock propped herself up with a look of extreme displeasure.

"Why is it you?!"

Hancock looked at Elder Nyon, who had pushed her way in despite the protests of her two sisters, with a look of pure disdain.

"What's with that attitude? I'm still your predecessor, you know! Can't you show me some respect?" Elder Nyon replied, equally dissatisfied by Hancock's reaction.

"What's wrong with my attitude? It's because I'm so beautiful!" Hancock looked down on Elder Nyon with contempt. Even sitting on the bed, she couldn't stay still, leaning back into her iconic, ultra-arrogant pose.

"Wow, Big Sis's arrogant pose is as beautiful as ever!"

"So gorgeous!"

Sandersonia and Marigold, who had followed her in, watched their sister's trademark back-leaning arrogance with hearts in their eyes, completely entranced.

Even Elder Nyon was momentarily dazed.

But she quickly snapped out of it.

'Damn it, this woman is a total cheat. She's already beautiful enough, and with the Love-Love Fruit's power on top of that, I fall for it every single time.'

"Ahem... Hancock, you were supposed to be sick, right? You look pretty energetic to me!" Elder Nyon coughed into her fist, trying to hide that she had just been momentarily captivated.

Her gaze shifted from the lively Hancock to the man sitting on the edge of the bed.

'Wait, this man looks familiar.'

'Wait, isn't this that Three-Eye Tribe member with the ten-billion bounty?'

Elder Nyon looked at Zane in shock.

"Hello there!"

Zane watched Elder Nyon staring at him. Seeing her shocked expression, he gave a friendly wave.

"Hello—wait, no! Why are you on Amazon Lily, and how do you know Hancock?" Elder Nyon instinctively started to wave back before realizing something was wrong and bulging her eyes.

Zane looked at her with surprise. "What, Shakky didn't give you a heads-up?"

He knew exactly who Elder Nyon was.

She was not only the Empress of the Kuja before Shakky, but also Shakky's former captain.

Zane had assumed that since he was coming to see Hancock, Shakky would have communicated with Elder Nyon, who lived in seclusion on the island, well in advance.

But judging by her reaction, did Shakky forget?

"Shakky?" Zane's question made Elder Nyon pause.

"Elder Nyon, it's like this..."

Sandersonia and Marigold finally managed to shake off their sister's charm. Seeing Elder Nyon's confusion, they quickly began to explain the situation.

'Oh no, was I acting too terribly just now?'

As Sandersonia and Marigold were explaining things to Elder Nyon, Hancock suddenly snapped to her senses.

Showing incredible flexibility, her arched body snapped back instantly.

Amidst a visible tremble of her soft figure, Hancock peeked cautiously at Zane.

A wave of regret washed over her.

'It's all Elder Nyon's fault for being so annoying. I completely forgot Mr. Zane was right here.'

'I hope my terrible behavior just now didn't make Mr. Zane dislike me.'

"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?" Zane felt Hancock's gaze and turned back to her with a questioning look.

"It's nothing... I just feel a bit dizzy!" Seeing that Zane didn't seem to mind, Hancock was overjoyed. She quickly feigned weakness, leaning helplessly against Zane's back.

Uh...

Feeling the incredible softness pressed against his back, Zane's heart skipped a beat.

'Hey, hey, hey, there are people watching. If you press against me like that, I won't be able to keep my cool.'

His throat felt dry, and Zane had to adjust his posture to suppress his rising urges.

"Dammit, Shakky didn't even mention something this important? I'm definitely giving her a piece of my mind later!"

Listening to Sandersonia and Marigold, Elder Nyon quickly caught up with the situation, which immediately led to a fit of cursing and foot-stomping.

Sure, she hadn't stayed as young-looking as Shakky, but she wasn't so old she couldn't move.

Someone as powerful as Zane, who dared to slaughter so many Celestial Dragons, visiting Amazon Lily... by all rights, someone should have informed her.

She could overlook Hancock, but Shakky not telling her? It was as if they had no respect for her as the former, former, former Empress.

"Ahem... Mr. Zane, as the former, former, former Empress of Amazon Lily, I welcome your visit... Hey! Hancock, that's enough! Can't you show some of the dignity expected of the current Empress?!"

After her outburst, Elder Nyon regained her composure and greeted Zane with a beaming smile.

Elder Nyon was undoubtedly very respectful toward Zane now that she understood the situation.

After all, this man had accomplished something even Roger hadn't managed.

However, as she was greeting him, she saw Hancock rubbing against Zane's back with a shy, blushing face, and she just couldn't take it anymore.

Frustrated by her lack of backbone, Elder Nyon waved her staff and began berating Hancock.

The Kuja Empresses were all prone to being love-struck.

Elder Nyon knew this all too well from experience.

But could she at least not do it right in front of her?

As a woman who had once pursued Roger in vain, Elder Nyon felt a deep, aching regret.

"You... you're so mean! Mr. Zane, I'm scared!" Hancock glared at Elder Nyon for interrupting her again, but this time she reacted quickly, immediately pretending to be frightened and hiding behind Zane.

'Whoa! So cute.'

'Wait, no.'

Looking at Hancock's timid act, Elder Nyon's eyes briefly turned into hearts.

But a second later, she slapped herself and glared at Hancock once more.

"Hancock, you—forget it. There's no talking sense into you like this. Mr. Zane, I have some matters I'd like to discuss with you. Can we find a quiet place to talk?"

Elder Nyon wanted to scold her again, but fearing she'd fall under the spell once more, she quickly looked away from Hancock's gorgeous face and made her proposal to Zane.

"Sure, I can do that."

Zane had a rough idea of what she wanted to talk about, so he nodded and stood up from the bed.

"Hancock, you rest for now. I'll be back in a bit!"

Looking back at Hancock, who was still clutching his hand tightly, Zane spoke soothingly.

"...Fine!" Though she was reluctant to let go, Hancock obediently released his hand.